7/27/2007

Photo: A collapsed utility pole is pictured in an area where heavy rain triggered a landslide, on Thursday morning in Kariwa, Niigata Prefecture.

July 26, 2007

NIIGATA -- Heavy rain hit earthquake-damaged areas of Niigata Prefecture on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, triggering landslides that cut off roads, officials said.Local officials said heavy rain was recorded in both Kashiwazaki and the town of Kariwa, which received major damage in the earthquake that struck Niigata Prefecture on July 16.The rain triggered landslides that cut off roads in some areas, officials said.The downpour sparked fears of river flooding in Kashiwazaki, prompting officials to move 13 elderly people from an elementary school housing about 130 evacuees to a separate shelter.